Budget cuts are biting; could residents be asked to pitch in?
If you are one of many people in Splott and Tremorfa who enjoy using its green spaces then you will be watching closely for the outcome of an upcoming Cardiff Council cabinet meeting.
Moorland Park
How to safeguard Cardiff’s parks and green spaces for future generations in the face of huge budget and financial pressures will be discussed at the next meeting of the council’s Cabinet when it considers recommendations made by the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee report ‘Funding for Parks’.
The Scrutiny report outlined a series of recommendations including:
– Increasing income through commercialisation, events, sponsorship and alternative funding models.
– Opening discussions with sports pitch users around taking on responsibility for grounds maintenance in a Community Asset Transfer type model.
– Consideration to offer smaller sites for events use across the city.
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Peter Bradbury said:
“This report has brought some really good ideas to the table and I am grateful to scrutiny for the hard work which has gone into it.
“We all appreciate the natural splendour of Cardiff’s parks and green spaces and this authority has been working hard in the face of huge budget cuts to protect and fund these important public assets. In fact we now have 12 Green Flag parks in the city, more than at any other time.
“None of this would have been possible without the dedicated work of our parks staff, park rangers and our invaluable friends groups. However, as budgets continue to shrink it’s even more likely we will have to call on our residents to help us maintain these beautiful spaces for future generations. Even something as simple as taking your litter home or popping any litter you see lying around into a bin can help our parks stay green and beautiful.
“The Scrutiny report has come up with some really worthwhile recommendations which we will pursue. Of course in recent years there have been a number of new projects which have had a positive impact on the way parks are run, income for the Council by hosting events in Bute Park and selling plants at the Council nursery.
“Using the knowledge and experience we’ve gained from these projects we must now look forward at further developing options and opportunities so that our coveted parks and green spaces can continue to strive during a period of financial austerity.”
What are your thoughts on how Cardiff Council can maintain its parks in the face of big budget cuts? Post your comments below.